Process of a Balanced, Flexible, Language-Rich Daily Programme
1. Establish a Routine
- Create a daily schedule that provides stability and predictability for children.
- Include time for literacy activities throughout the day, embedded into different routines and experiences.
2. Create a Language-Rich Environment
- Surround children with books, posters, charts, and other print materials.
- Encourage children to engage in conversations, songs, and storytelling.
- Use descriptive language and provide opportunities for children to listen and respond.
3. Offer a Variety of Literacy Activities
- Incorporate literacy activities into all areas of the curriculum: reading, writing, language arts, and play.
- Provide a balance of activities that focus on phonemic awareness, letter recognition, print awareness, vocabulary, and comprehension.
4. Be Flexible and Responsive
- Observe children's interests and adjust activities accordingly.
- Provide opportunities for children to choose their own literacy materials and activities.
- Allow for unstructured play time where children can explore language and literacy in their own way.
5. Engage Families
- Communicate with families about the literacy activities that are happening in the classroom.
- Encourage families to support literacy learning at home by reading to children, talking to them, and providing writing materials.
Sample Daily Programme with Literacy Learning Opportunities
Morning Routine (9:00-10:30)
- Book Corner: Children choose books and engage in shared reading with teachers.
- Circle Time: Teacher reads aloud a story and discusses literacy concepts (e.g., characters, setting, plot).
- Sensory Play: Children explore letters and words through play with sensory materials (e.g., sand, water, shaving cream).
Small Group Activities (10:30-11:30)
- Phonics Instruction: Teacher leads a small group activity focusing on letter sounds and blending.
- Writing Workshop: Children engage in free writing and explore different writing tools (e.g., markers, crayons, paint).
- Book Club: Children listen to a read-aloud and discuss aspects of the story.
Lunchtime (11:30-12:30)
- Mealtime Conversations: Encourage children to talk about their day and use descriptive language.
Afternoon Routine (12:30-3:00)
- Outdoor Play: Children explore natural materials and engage in language-rich games (e.g., rhyming, charades).
- Storytelling: Teacher or children share stories and discuss characters, setting, and events.
- Independent Literacy Time: Children select literacy materials and engage in self-directed activities (e.g., reading, writing, drawing).
- Closure: Review the day's literacy activities and reflect on what children have learned.